Trevor Fourmile
Trevor is from the Yidinji people from northern Queensland. How the Cassowary got its Helmet and Bajirriga the Turtle are stories based on the coastal rainforest told in traditional style and are illustrated by his mother, Lillian Fourmile.
Trevor whose Yidinji name is Bumi (lightning flash) is a health worker for Queensland Health. He is interested in teaching the younger generation his culture through traditional dancing, story telling and writing children's books. Readers are encouraged to think about their relationship to the community as well as enjoying these wonderful traditional stories.
How the Cassowary got its helmet was a winner in the inaugural Black Ink Writing and Illustrating award. It is a story made up by Trevor as he remembered the stories told by his grandfather, and he also thanks his father for passing on the traditions and his mother for her artwork.
Bajirriga the Turtle is a full-colour, picture story book for young readers. It is written in a traditional storytelling style and incorporates bold, stylized images.
The story is about an age-old tale of the conflict of youth - Bajirriga won't cooperate with his community, and the consequences are dramatic. This story was also inspired after listening to the stories told by his grandfather.
Trevor has become a promoter of literature and a popular speaker at schools where he shares his culture to the younger generation through storytelling and brings stories from their Yidinji family to life.
Testimonials
Trevor was amazing. So much knowledge. He did a great job for the prep/year 1 session as he told a couple of stories and read his book - "How the Cassowary got it's Helmet", which had them engaged. They loved dancing around the hall imitating different animal actions. The Preps seemed impressed with the boomerangs and shields that he showed them. He was able to maintain their attention, realised that they needed a movement break and included them in the discussions by asking them questions and allowing time for them to ask him questions. If we are fortunate enough to have him return, reading his books again prior to the visit would be beneficial... Great presentation.
Newtown State School - September, 2023We really enjoyed Trevor's visit. He had the students enthralled with his wonderful stories.
St. Francis Xavier, Runaway Bay - August, 2023Trevor was great with the students, they loved having a "yarn" with him about all sorts of things. He engaged the students with his stortelling and they enjoyed getting involved with dancing and games.
Brisbane Montessori School - September 2021Trevor entertained and educated the students with his traditional stories and teachings. His knowledge and lessons are invaluable we would love to have him back at our school again in the future.
Windsor State School - September, 2020Trevor was great at telling the stories passed to him by his father. He could engage well with the children, and they all enjoyed his visit.
St John's Anglican College - June 2020
Gurril, Storm Bird
How the Cassowary Got its Helmet
Bajirriga the Turtle: How a boy turned into a turtle
Queensland
Speaker type
- Author
- Storyteller / Performer